You’ve just moved to Luxembourg where there are 3 official languages and the average person in the street is probably in fact quadrilingual. Mon Dieu! Oh Gott! Mei, O Mei! Which language should you learn? Where to start? Don’t worry. City Savvy is here to guide you.
One thing for sure, the best way to get connected with a new place is to learn the language, or in the case of Luxembourg, learn one of the languages. Which language you learn first will depend on things like; where you live, what job you do, whether you have children in the local school and how long you plan on living here. This article is all about where you can learn French. If you want to learn German or Luxembourgish then see the City Savvy Guide to Learning German and the City Savvy Guide to Learning Luxembourgish.
Background
Upon the founding of the country, French enjoyed the greatest prestige, and therefore gained preferential use as the official and administrative language. German was used in the political field to comment on the laws so that they could be understood by everyone. In 1984 Luxembourgish was made the national language by law and this law also recognised the three languages of Luxembourg (Luxembourgish, French and German) as administrative languages. French remains the language of legislation however.
Get Started
You will probably have already noticed the extensive use of French all over the Grand Duchy, especially in the capital. Whether it’s a street name, an advertisement or a person greeting you, plenty of the communication happens in French. And by now, its likely you’ve learnt to say bonjour, merci, sil vous plait and au revoir, right? Bravo! Don’t snub your enthusiasm. Learn the romantic language and magnify your access to the French – art, architecture, cuisine, fashion, films, literature and more.
Voila! Here is a comprehensive list of institutes that offer French language learning courses. The government recognised institutions and non-profit community associations offer French language classes for a less expensive fee. For more personalised options, you can register with one of the private language training centers. Follow our fundamental tips and you should manage fairly well.
Government Recognised Organisations
The government recognised organisations are affiliated to the Luxembourg Ministry of Education. They offer day and evening classes for a fee of around 200 euros per term. These courses are convenient for working professionals. Contact them by phone or email for information about the schedule and fee.
- Institut National des Languages, 21, bd de la Foire, L-1528, Luxembourg (Map)
Tel: 26 44 30 1, Email: info@insl.lu
Non-profit Associations
Some non-profit associations like the language societies, student groups and local communes offer French language learning sessions for a nominal fee. Most of the classes are offered for between 50 and 90 euros. This is a great option for students. For detailed information about the schedule and fees, contact them by phone or email.
- Administration Communale de Kayl, B.P. 56 L-3601 Kayl (Map)
Tel: +352 56 66 66-1, Email: david.wagner@kayl.lu
- Association Grupo Amizade Caboverdeana, 19, rue Michel Welter, L-2730 Luxembourg (Map)
Tel: +352 26 19 62 16, Email: gacv87@yahoo.fr
- ASTI a.s.b.l., 10-12, rue Auguste Laval, L-1922 Luxembourg (Map)
Tel: +352 43 83 33 1, Email: ensemble@asti.lu
- Conféderation de la Communauté Portugaise, 6, rue René Weimerskirch, L-2713 Luxembourg (Map)
Tel: +352 29 00 75, email: ccpl@ccpl.lu
- CNFPC-Ettelbruck, 77, rue Jean-Pierre Thill, L-9085 Ettelbruck (Map)
Tel: +352 81 89 39-27, Email: secretariat@e-cnfpc.lu
- Landakademie, 23, An der Gaass, L-9150 Eschdorf (Map)
Tel: +352 89 95 68-23, Email: info@landakademie.lu
- Lycée Classique de Diekirch, 32, av. de la Gare, L-9233Diekirch (Map)
Tel: +352 26 80 71, Email: secretariat@lcd.lu
- Lycée Technique d’Ettelbrück, 71, avenue Salentiny, L-9080 Ettelbruck (Map)
Tel: +352 81 92 01-300, Email: guy.kayser@ltett.lu
- LTJB – Grevenmacher, rue de Münschecker, L-6701Grevenmacher (Map)
Tel: +352 75 06 65-207, Email: annette.streng@ltjb.lu
- Mouvement pour l’Egalité des Chances, 30, route de Wasserbillig, L-6490Echternach (Map)
Tel: +352 26 72 00 35, Email: aurelia.pattou @mecasbl.lu
- Maison d’Afrique, 3, Rue du Curé, L-1368 Luxembourg (Map)
Tel: +352 27 12 54 53, Email: maisondafriqueasbl @gmail.com
- Administration Communale de Bertrange Service Culturel, B.P. 28, L-8005 Bertrange (Map)
Tel: +352 26 312 340, Email: joelle.flammang @bertrange.lu
- Athénée de Luxembourg, 24, bd. Pierre Dupong, L-1430 Luxembourg (Map)
Tel: +352 26 04 61 00, Email: secretariat@al.lu
- Centre de Formation Lucien Huss a.s.b.l, 5, Av Marie Thérèse, L-2132Luxembourg (Map)
Tel: +352 26 56 16 92, Mail: cflh.asbl@gmail.com
- Administration Communale de Differdange, B.P. 12, L-4501 Differdange (Map)
Tel: +352 58 77 11-236, Email: brigitte.brandenburger@differdange.lu
- Administration Communale de Strassen, B.P. 22, L-8001 Strassen (Map)
Tel: +352 31 02 62-1, Email: reception@strassen.lu
- Convention Uelzechtdall, B.P. 1, L-7201 Walferdange (Map)
Tel: +352 33 01 44-1, Mail: secretariat@walfer.lu
- Clae services asbl, 26, rue de Gasperich, L-1617 Luxembourg (Map)
Tel: 29 86 86-27, Email: migrations@clae.lu
- Entente sans frontiers, 14, rue Pierre Dupong, L-7314 Heisdorf (Map)
Tel: +352 621 28 87 49, Email: entente.sans.frontieres @gmail.com
- Inter-Actions Projet Ensemble, Gare-Usines, L-3481Dudelange (Map)
Tel: +352 51 69 85 – 22, Email: ensemble @inter-actions.lu
Private Institutions
Most of the private institutions offer comprehensive language learning solutions. They have distinct packages designed for adults, children and companies. Some of them also offer private home tuition. Visit their websites for more information.
- Berlitz Language Center, 89-93, Grand-Rue, L-1661 Luxembourg (Map)
Tel. +352 26 38 32 48
- École Privée Grandjean A.S.B.L., 7 rue Adolphe Fischer, L-1520 Luxembourg (Map)
Tél. : 48 01 07, Email : epg@pt.lu
- Inlingua, 5, rue de Hesperange, L-1731 Luxembourg (Map)
Tel. +352 40 35 47, Email: infoinlingua@inlingua.lu
(or) 46, rue de l’Alzette, L-4010 Esch-Sur-Alzette (Map)
Tel. +352 26 53 24 66, Email: info@inlingua-esch.lu
- Language Enterprises, 84, route d’Arlon, L-1150, Luxembourg (Map)
Tel: 75 97 18, Email: info@language-enterprises.lu
- Luxembourg Accueil, 10 Bisserwee, L-1238 Luxembourg (Map)
Tel: +352 24 17 17,
- Languages.lu , 6 Rue Marguerite de Brabant, 1254 Luxembourg (Map)
Tel: +352 26 47 85 03, Email: info@languages.lu
- Prolingua Language Centre, 45a, Avenue Monterey – L-2163 Luxembourg (Map)
Tel: +352 40 39 91-0, Email: info@prolingua.lu
City Savvy’s Extra Tips for learning French
- Learn French with TV5 Monde.
- Watch French movies with English and French subtitles.
- Keep an eye on the French subtitles while watching English or other language films.
- Install a Translator app on your mobile to find a rapid French alternative. This will save you right when you need help.
- Stay tuned to French television channels, fm or music.
- Read L’essential (French news tabloid available at bus stops, cafes and other public places) even if you don’t understand it very well it will help you understand the context and you’ll slowly improve your vocabulary.
- Practice, practice, practice. There is plenty of opportunity to speak French in Luxembourg and generally your efforts will be hugely appreciated. Bon chance!
